Value-Based Profiles and Pro-Environmentalism: A Person-Centered Analysis of Beliefs, Emotions and Pro-environmental Behaviors

Personal values are central determinants of pro-environmental engagement, yet most research has examined their effects in isolation, overlooking the fact that individuals typically endorse multiple, potentially conflicting values simultaneously. Adopting a person-centered approach, the present study investigated how configurations of biospheric, altruistic, and egoistic values relate to key climate engagement factors (pro-environmental behavior, belief in climate change, climate-related self-efficacy, and green identity), and negative eco-emotions (anger, fear, and sadness). Data were collected via an online survey from 363 adults (18–76 years, 46.28% female). Latent profile analysis and K-means clustering were applied to identify value-based profiles, with the latter yielding a robust four-cluster solution. The identified clusters comprised eco-altruists (high biospheric and altruistic, low egoistic values), ego-driven contributors (high egoistic, moderate biospheric and altruistic values), detached individuals (low endorsement across values), and self-focused individuals (high egoistic, very low biospheric and altruistic values). These groups differed significantly across all climate engagement factors and eco-emotions. Eco-altruists showed the highest levels of climate engagement factors, but also reported the strongest negative eco-emotions. Self-focused individuals showed the lowest engagement and weakest emotional responses. Ego-driven contributors occupied an intermediate position, indicating that self-transcendent values can attenuate the inhibiting influence of egoistic motivations. Detached individuals displayed moderate engagement despite overall weak value endorsement. The findings highlight the importance of examining value configurations and underscore the need for value-sensitive interventions that promote sustainable behavior while supporting individual well-being.